Otter Ferry, Cowal Peninsula, Argyll and Bute

View across Loch Fyne from Otter Ferry (click / tap to enlarge image)

The Cowal Peninsula in Argyll and Bute is somewhat off the beaten track but it's a wonderful place to visit, with its beautiful sea and freshwater lochs, mountains, breath-taking views and picturesque villages. It's a great place to escape to, away from the crowds found in the more popular tourist areas of Scotland.

This walk takes us along the coast of Loch Fyne from Otter Ferry to Ballimore House and back. The road down Loch Fyne to Otter Ferry is single track with regular passing places. It's quite a stunning road to drive down though.

The walking route is approximately 1 mile each way. The shore was out of bounds to the dogs as the entire tide line was splattered with jellyfish. Being a sea loch, jellyfish are often found at this time of year on Loch Fyne. Part of the route also follows a private access road and you're quite likely to come across the occasional car. It was therefore a walk on the lead for the boys. Despite that, the views are wonderful and it's still a very worthwhile walk.

Jellyfish all along the tide line

There's a car park at the Oystercatcher pub/restaurant at the start of the walk. They also have outside seating where dogs are welcome. I believe booking is necessary if you want a meal there, as they have a very good reputation and get booked up quite a ways in advance.

As always, route maps, link to car park on Google Maps and GPX file can all be found at the end of the article. Information is current as of our last visit in September 2022. All images can be clicked / tapped to enlarge.

Our walk starts at the car park outside the Oystercatcher restaurant at Otter Ferry (click / tap to enlarge image)

An information board at the car park details some very interesting history about the area

The views from the shores of Loch Fyne at the car park are immediately spectacular

Photographing Tommy the easy way - get him to sit on something!

Looking down Loch Fyne towards the Kintyre Peninsula

View up Loch Fyne

Exit the car park along the road, passing the Oystercatcher restaurant and seating area on the left

The walk continues down the private access road along the shore. Watch out for the occasional car. Keep right and follow the shore.

Beware the gravel spit jutting out into the loch as it's quite easy to get cut off if you walk out there

Jasper hiding behind some Jasper shaped scenery!

The ever excited Tommy having a great time!

Once past the lodges along the road, you'll probably find that you're the only people walking the path

Once we reached the impressive Victorian listed mansion, Ballimore House, we headed back but you can follow the path further along the coast if desired

View back up Loch Fyne

The wild and rugged shores of Loch Fyne

Tommy in one of his trademark poses!

Lots of different birds can be seen on the loch, including quite a few heron. You can see a heron in the middle if you look carefully at the enlarged photo.

A last shot of Loch Fyne as we approach Otter Ferry

Route overview and surrounding area. I've included a very wide view of the surrounding area, since the location is pretty remote. Arrow indicates route location. Click/tap to enlarge image.

Route detail

Link to start location on Google Maps

Download GPX file (from Google Drive)

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